Vacation Scheme Review

I really enjoyed my experience at PwC. The people I worked with were friendly and approachable, and I was able to engage in 'real' legal research and projects, and not just administrative tasks. I enjoyed this level of responsibility.

During my time at PwC, I rotated across three practice groups. In each team I was made to feel welcome, and was introduced to everybody. This meant that I was able to walk around the office to ask for work easily, and that everyone knew my name. I was especially impressed by the fact that two partners even made time for me to come into their offices and to discuss different legal issues and how I was finding the vacation scheme. This level of friendliness made PwC seem different from other firms I have visited.

Each vacation scheme member was allocated a trainee 'buddy' and a People Manager to report to. Having a trainee to help me was so useful. My 'buddy' was great, and would arrange regular catch-up meetings to check if everything was OK. Having a 'buddy' that was not too far ahead of me, and who had done his vacation scheme only a few years prior, was fantastic. It meant that he could answer all of my questions concerning the recruitment process, the vacation scheme assessment criteria etc. My 'People Manager' was also great. I felt comfortable asking him questions, and he really helped me with the more technical side of the vacation scheme assessments. For example, listening to presentations, and providing me with feedback on my written work.

I received feedback on nearly every piece of work that I completed. I will definitely use the advice I was given to improve on my university work, and any further tasks in the workplace that I will need to perform in the future.

We were given an introductory talk and timetable, and numerous booklets outlining the structure of the three weeks. It was clear from the outset what we'd be doing every day, and at no point did I feel that the scheme was not organised properly. We were even told in advance the different departments that we would be working in.

PwC made sure to organise plenty of informal events and networking sessions in between working independently in our various departments. This meant that we grew closer as a vacation scheme group, and developed friendships, which made the experience so much more enjoyable. For example, a treasure hunt was organised, and in the evenings there were meals, mini golf and darts events arranged with the trainees.

The organising of a moot court was one way in which PwC spent time in developing our skills. We were given feedback on our performance, and I felt that this experience really improved my debating and presentation skills.

Working in the legal departments themselves gave us a realistic insight into the firm's work and culture. However, the fact that PwC arranged a day of sector presentations was also useful. This meant that we didn't just experience the work of our own departments, but we were able to receive an insight into the numerous legal teams at PwC.

There were plenty of opportunities to speak to staff working at all levels in the firm. A networking session with partners was arranged, and we had several events with the trainees. This level of exposure to different employees mean that I received a flavour of the firm's culture and could appreciate the PwC work ethos.

The experience of being able to sit in a law firm and engage in 'real' legal activities was invaluable. I even had the opportunity to go to court, and to listen to a hearing. This was a unique experience that no other law firm has offered me. My experience definitely confirmed my interest and passion in pursuing a legal career.

I was definitely paid adequately for my time at PwC.

There were several opportunities for networking and meeting other employees. Firstly, the staff in all of the departments that I sat in were really friendly and approachable, and several people gave up their time to have one-on-one meetings with me to answer my questions etc. Also, as mentioned previously, a partner networking event was arranged, and a numerous events with trainees took place.

I have briefly mentioned the social events that were arranged in my other answers. However, I will name these again: - A Spanish tapas meal with the trainees was arranged for our first week at the firm. - A rooftop breakfast with the trainees. - A darts social at the 'Flight Club'. - A mini golf and pizza social. - A treasure hunt around London on our last day. - A partner networking event.

I did find out about some of the activities that employees can get involved in outside of work. My People Manager and trainee 'buddy' told me of the numerous societies and sports teams that are available. Apart from formal teams etc, many departments organised their own social events too, for example I was invited to a social event with the Employment department.

I would definitely recommend this insight to a friend. It was an invaluable opportunity with a leading internationally-renowned firm, however, at no point during the process did I feel anxious or intimidated by the fact that I was in such a large company. I was welcomed into the firm, and made to feel at ease from the outset.